Best Electric Patio Heaters
A budget-friendly purchase that won't increase your power bills. It comes with multiple heat settings and overheat protection. It's also easy to move around the garden.
Gas patio heaters can put out lots of warmth across a larger area, but they will require regular refills of propane or natural gas. It's a good option for large gardens that have lots of seating areas and sofas.
1. Infrared heaters
The majority of electric freestanding patio heaters we tested were infra-red models. They are less expensive than gas-powered versions and, assuming you choose wisely they will have lower operating costs as well. You won't have to refill a tank with propane and there's not much assembly required.
The best ones feature remote controls for simple operation and a built-in LED light that provides ambience. One of our top picks is from German company Herschel. It makes use of a circular filament to radiate infrared mediumwave energy over an area of the size of a table. It is easy to use heating settings as well as 360deg rotation. The Westinghouse 1500 Watt Infra-red Heating System is another great option. Best patio heater electric uses an aluminum reflector to focus the heat beams on your preferred location.
Both models are energy efficient and emit a warm light that is clean and fresh. However the Herschel is more sleek and more suited for modern gardens or if you're looking to incorporate it into your outdoor furniture. It can be integrated into home automation systems, which allow you to choose your preferred brightness and temperature. This could help you save money over time.
It's worth bearing in mind that although infrared heating is efficient, it only warms objects and people directly in front of the heater and will cease to work when you move away. Additionally, it won't heat your patio or garden if the winds blow the heater around.
Gas heaters on the other hand will heat up a larger area when they aren't moved. They can also be equipped with a shield to help keep them in place. They are typically located in pub gardens and give off a cosy "burning log" effect that looks great in any decor.
Propane-powered patio heaters are typically less efficient and can produce lots of smoke and noise when the flame is burning. Electric heaters are greener than propane, and is required to be replenished after it runs out. It is important to remember that a gas-powered heater produces greater heat than an electric model, and is likely to be more expensive.
2. Gas heaters
It's the perfect time to invest in patio heaters as the Summer slows down and evenings get a bit chilly. This will allow you to enjoy your outdoor space longer. There are a variety of options available depending on whether you want gas or electric, ranging from small tabletop models to floor-standing units designed to heat large outdoor spaces such as a decked backyard.
Gas heaters are more expensive to purchase however they can be more expensive to operate. According to Heat Outdoors "they are amongst the most inefficient both in terms of the amount of energy they use and the heat they generate". A typical cylinder of calor gas costs PS90 new or PS50 to refill, and will last about 13 hours of heating.
Electric heaters like gas use radiant heat instead of air to warm objects and human. Electric heaters are cheaper to run and have a lower carbon footprint. They are also much easier to use. You just plug them in and switch them on, while you might need to make an outdoor fire or wait for a propane model to heat up.
Outdoor electric heaters can be used in a range of settings, from restaurants to bars to private gardens. They can be used in both closed and open spaces, and some are equipped with built-in dimmer switches to enable you to adjust the brightness of the lighting. They're also more compact than gas models and can be easily moved around which is great if you have to move the heater from one part of your garden to another.
These heaters are powered by plugs and require an extension cord that is approved for outdoor use. To meet safety standards the majority of electric heaters cannot be supplied with an attached lead that exceeds 1.8m and you'll have to be cautious not to block any outdoor sockets nearby or leave the cable trailing where it could be an accident hazard.
3. Freestanding heaters
If you're a fan the style of the gas heater, but do not want to be restricted by the space it can be set up or want to reduce your expenses and save money, these freestanding electric patio heaters are an alternative. Powered by electricity, they're quick to heat up and easy to operate with the flick of a button or remote. They're also less expensive to run than their gas-powered counterparts.
The one from Kettler is a nice-looking choice that won't look out of place in your garden furniture made of rattan and is fully weatherproof for year-round use. Its IP55 rating protects it from dust from the wind and rain (although we do not suggest using a high pressure hose on it). The model comes with three heating levels that can be adjusted to suit your needs, and an automatic timer that ranges from 1 to 9 hours.
Another alternative for those who aren't wishing to be limited by the position of the gas patio heater is this electric model made by Blumfeldt. This is available in two sizes and boasts numerous features, including remote control as well as a timer shut off function and 360deg oscillation. It's also splash-proof for your peace mind, although we wouldn't recommend letting it get too wet as this may affect the performance and lifespan of the heater.
This portable patio heater is a favorite among those who prefer to control their heating. It's simple to use with a remote control, 2 heating settings, and the ability to turn on and off the light from an extended distance. It has a built in safety feature that turns the unit off when it is tilted.
top rated electric patio heaters don't emit carbon monoxide unlike gas heaters for patios. This makes them an ideal choice for people with pets or children who have not yet reached the maturity level to understand the dangers associated with being too close to a fire. These models are also great for gazebos and large outdoor spaces as they have the ability to quickly warm up an area of 15 square meters. They're light and easy to move about, and many come with the option of a remote so that you can change settings from the comfort of your chair.
4. Wall-mounted heaters
After the summer has ended, and your kids have returned to school, it's time to think about adding some warmth to your outdoor space. Electric heaters come in different designs that include freestanding models as well as wall-mounted models.
This popular model offers the advantages of a gas heater and low running costs. It can be hung on the wall or on the floor, making it perfect for gazebos, covered patios and small gardens, where a freestanding unit may seem too large. It also comes with the option of adjusting the temperature. Some users say it's an ideal Goldilocks option, as it's warm enough to reduce the chill without getting too hot.
Electric patio heaters are great for spaces that are small such as garages and covered porches because they don't release harmful gases such as carbon monoxide. Gas heaters, on contrary, should be installed in an open space with adequate ventilation to prevent them from contaminating your home.
Electric models are more expensive than models powered by gas. They're also less portable, requiring access to an electrical outlet. This is particularly important when you live in an region where energy costs are high.
Another drawback to an electric heater is that it's not as powerful as a gas one, but there are a lot of options in the PS50-PS200 price range to pick from. Some are suited for hanging from awnings or parasols and you can even locate a few that run with rechargeable batteries.
If you're after an infrared option that's cheap to run, this is a good choice. It's available in two sizes and offers various features that include 360deg oscillation as well as easy-to-use heating settings. It's also classified as IP44, which means it's able to withstand splashes of water as well as light rain.